Officials now believe
that three American contractors, possibly of Iraqi origins, were
kidnapped by either of two Iran-backed militias, the Asaib Ahl al-Haq or
Saraya al-Salam. Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi insists, though,
that Iran had no part in the abduction. The United States also doubts
Iran’s involvement. Another theory
is that a criminal gang is behind the kidnapping.

Former Deputy Prime Minister Saleh Mutlaq warned that Iraq
is being divided into smaller governments. Even many Shi’ites have found fault
with Baghdad.